OUR NEXT MEETING: Sat., October 16, 2021

Our facilitator for October is Gayle Marie, and she'll be leading a meeting that promises to be different from any we have had before. Why? Because Abundant Life Church, our new home, is holding their outreach campaign, "The Way Forward,” on the third Saturday of October, the same day as our meeting. Rather than this being a conflict, Gayle sees it as a ministry opportunity for us as Christian writers. The church has invited the poor, the homeless, and those who are down on their luck to come for an uplifting day. They'll offer showers, haircuts, clothes washing, application forms, job interviews, lunch, and personal ministry.

In all our years of being a Christian organization, we have never engaged in purposeful outreach.

This is our chance!

DCWA members can play a vital role in "The Way Forward" by befriending a guest and interacting with him or her.  

We'll meet briefly in the sanctuary at 9:00 for prayer and an overview of what we want to accomplish. The church is taking care of the guests' physical and ministry needs; our purpose is not so much to help the people but to learn from them and to be present with them.

1. Our main goal is to LISTEN. As writers, it is important not only to observe others and the details around us but to hear what others are saying. We want to approach the guests as caring individuals, not as a group on assignment. Plan to blend in, whether outdoors or inside the church. Develop rapport and brighten their spirits. What do the homeless need from writers? They need to be heard. Their opinions, goals, and joys matter. 
    
2. Break bread together. Never having done this before, we don't know how things will unfold, but we envision ourselves extending Christian hospitality to a guest by sitting with him or her and striking up a conversation. The church is serving breakfast and lunch to volunteers in the sanctuary, so feel free to get something to eat and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to just the right person. 
    
3. This is a relaxed gathering with no formality or rules, so be sensitive to respond as God leads. We don't know what condition they'll be in, so meet them where they are. Let the guests see Jesus in you. He would want to hear their stories. Share that you are a writer and ask, "If I could write something interesting about you, what would it be?" Then listen to their stories. You may want to take notes.
    
4. Our gift to them: DCWA has prepared a booklet as a gift for the guests to take home with them for personal reflection. After getting acquainted, give them the booklet and a pen. We want to leave them with something tangible that will hopefully spark a fresh evaluation of where they are and where they want to be.

Surely, Saturday will be a day to remember as we offer ourselves as "someone who can help" to a person who wants to discover "The Way Forward." The church's desire is that the event will lead to changed lives, not just a one-day makeover. 

Hey, Stephen, we have permission to use the electronic piano if you feel led to bless us with background music. 

Please note that our timeframe is from 9 to 1:30; however, the event will be until 3:00, so you're welcome to stay longer. If you have questions or concerns, please call Gayle at 443.624.0213. 

What you can expect from DCWF

Here we are at our monthly meeting in Oct. 2008 where our teaching was about manuscript formatting and how to navigate Microsoft Word. It is becoming more common for our members to bring their laptops. We're doing our best to keep abreast of the leaps and bounds of technology.

Established in 1993, the group has approx. 45 members on the rolls with an average attendance of 8 to 15 and a regional mailing list of 130. The majority are new writers who are mentored by those of us who have been published. It is an informal gathering for critiquing and encouragement with numerous resources to build up the Christian who writes.

There is  no membership fee, no "formal" agenda, and no pressure, but we do hold one another accountable to see progress in our writing.

We meet once a month, the third Saturday, from 9 until 12:30 (sometimes 10 to 2). Our meetings typically include a devotional, shared information, a teaching, critique groups, and prayer. Friendships are fostered over lunch and between meetings. On occasion, we host day-long writing seminars or retreats.  

A number of our members attend regional or national conferences (visit www.writehisanswer.com for links to the Philadelphia and Colorado conferences).

Our president, Candy Abbott, is beaming with good cause as she displays the award we--Delmarva Christian Writrs Fellowship--just received as The Best of Georgetown 2019 for Non-Profit association or organization. 

This unexpected endorsement comes just in time to help us promote the Delmarva Christian Writers Conference.